Learning to listen better requires me to develop attentive listening skills. One of the skills I’m trying to learn is to be a “question-asker” more than a “teller.”

Tellers tend to jump to conclusions. Tellers tend to make assumptions. Tellers tend to judge others without knowing all the facts. Tellers tend to shut down communication. Tellers tend to reduce the level of honest dialogue. Tellers tend to assume they know enough information before they really do. Tellers tend to try to fix rather than try to be friends. Tellers tend to feel foolish when their ignorance is exposed. Tellers tend to justify their ignorance with excuses.

Tellers. You know one or two, don’t you? I’ve seen one in the mirror, have you?

As a spouse I’ve assumed I knew what my spouse would say, so I cut her off. As a parent I’ve assumed my child had nothing more meaningful to say, so I cut him off. As a coach I’ve assumed I knew where someone’s story was going, so I jumped in.

And, sometimes I was right. And, sometimes I was wrong. But, every time I was being a teller rather than a good listener.